Swiss take First & Third in Women’s Triathlon

By Michael Collins

In an upset victory Brigitte MacMahon, of Switzerland out-sprinted Michellie Jones to win the Gold Medal (2:00.40-2:00.42)in the first medal event of the 2000 Olympics. Magali Messmer, also of Switzerland, took home the bronze.

Americans placed very well too, with Joanna Zeiger finishing fourth, and Sheila Taormina finishing a gutsy sixth after leading the entire swim and much of the bike. Jennifer Gutierrez spend some time off the front on the bike as well, but faded in the run to 13th.

The Americans, Aussies, and Swiss controlled the race throughout while the Canadians failed to put anyone in the top 10 after potential contender Carol Montgomery dropped out.